How to Make Your Own Nondairy Milks

Cashew, almond, coconut—it seems like there's a new type of milk alternative coming out almost every month. Capture all the great health benefits and none of the artificial add-ins by blending up your own with these easy recipes.

Cashew, almond, coconut—it seems like there's a new type of milk alternative coming out almost every month. Capture all the great health benefits and none of the artificial add-ins by blending up your own with these easy recipes.

Almond milk

Almond milk

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend, 2 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached.

If you want to strain away sediment, place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl. Pour almond milk slowly into sieve and filter through, or stir milk in the sieve with a spatula to encourage it to pass through more rapidly. *Note: Almond milk is high in fiber only if it's not strained.

Almond milk

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend, 2 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached.

If you want to strain away sediment, place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl. Pour almond milk slowly into sieve and filter through, or stir milk in the sieve with a spatula to encourage it to pass through more rapidly. *Note: Almond milk is high in fiber only if it's not strained.

Soy milk

3. Measure 1 1/2 cups of beans. Place beans, sugar, and water into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.

4. Select Variable 1.

5. Turn machine on and slowly increase to Variable 10, then to High.

6. Blend, 1 1/2 minutes, or until smooth.

To obtain a commercial-style soy milk, strain through a filtration bag. Flavor soy milk with 1/2 tsp table salt and 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, or sweeten to taste with your favorite sweetener. Store extra beans in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze in their cooking liquid for longer storage.